Here are some of the events happening in and around Newark. Feel free to add your own in the comments section. Click on the "events" tab to see other opportunities.
WHAT: Mass Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Roberto Clemente's Death
WHERE:
WHEN: Friday 10:30am
WHY GO: Mass celebrated by Bishop Manuel Cruz
WHAT:
WHERE: Newark Museum Parking Lot
WHEN: Saturday Noon to 6:15
WHY GO: This tour will explore some of the area's most beautiful and historic churches decorated in their Christmas splendor. The first stop will be the First Baptist Peddie Memorial, designed by William Halsey Wood, built in 1890, Byzantine-Romanesque in style with mysterious half hidden faces embedded in the Celtic like cornices adding to the building's intrigue. The building's interior is a masterpiece of carved wood and stone.
Then down Broad Street to Grace Episcopal Church, built in 1848, designed by Richard Upjohn, who also designed Trinity Cathedral in New York City. After the tour of this beautiful building we will be treated to a organ recital.
Then it's up to the northern part of the city and the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Started in 1900 and consecrated in 1954, it is the fifth-largest church in North America. With Italian marble art work and stained glass windows imported from Germany, the beauty of this building is enhanced by its holiday decorations.
We will end our day at St. Lucy's Roman Catholic Church, built in 1928 for and by the Italian population of the old First Ward, it is a tribute to the faith of its congregation. In the 1950s urban renewal destroyed the neighborhood, but the people stayed faithful to the parish and the church was never forced to close its doors. The highlight of the visit will be the Nativity scene depicting an Italian village preparing for the birth of Christ. The visit will end in the "Museum of the Old First Ward" where there will be a champagne reception to toast the new year.
RSVP: 973 622 4910
COST: $35
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WHAT:
WHERE: 7th & Clifton Aves, Newark
WHEN: Saturday 7– 10pm
WHY GO: Welcome in 2012 with Family skating fun
COST: $6 children; $7 adults plus $3.50 skate rental for anyone (ages 3 – 17) without skates
WHAT:
WHERE: Wellmont Theatre, 5 Seymour St, Montclair
WHEN: Friday & Saturday 8pm
WHAT: Continuing a long and strange trip since its humble beginnings over a decade ago, Dark Star Orchestra’s determined commitment to "raising the Dead" has drawn nationwide attention. Offering a continually evolving artistic outlet within the Grateful Dead’s musical canon, members of Dark Star Orchestra seek out the unique style of each performance era and offer their own interpretations and improvisations at each show. Using entire set lists from the Grateful Dead’s decades of touring as a launching pad, Dark Star Orchestra recreates song for song performances straight from the set list of these historic shows
COST: $45 to $75 VIP
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
WHAT: NYE Gala in the Main Lounge!
WHERE: Piano’s Bar & Grill, 36 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN: Saturday 9pm – 2am
WHY GO: No Cover, No Minimum, DJ and Special Prices on Super Premium Drinks all night; 11PM-Midnight Champagne Cocktail Special; Noisemakers; Free Midnight Buffet; Midnight Karaoke Contest
WHAT:
WHERE: Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark
WHEN: Friday & Saturday 12:00pm–5:00pm
WHY GO: This historically accurate installation offers the opportunity to step back in time to learn about 19th century life and traditions. From the Christmas tree (a German tradition) to the wooden shoes by the hearth (a Dutch tradition) to the stockings on the chimney and plum pudding in the dining room (English traditions), visitors can get a sense of how Christmas evolved into a home-based secular holiday, linked to but distinct from the religious commemoration that was celebrated in church.
COST: Museum Admission: Adult $10; Children, Seniors & Students with Valid I.D.: $6; Members free
WHAT:
WHERE: Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark
WHEN: Friday, Saturday 12:00pm–5:00pm
WHY GO: Season of Light (Limited run) Saturdays & Sundays, 2 pm - Recommended for adults and children ages 6 and up 40 minutes
Trace the development of many of the world's endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season—from Yule logs and sparkling Christmas tree lights to the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah. This show recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice—not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi
Seven Wonders Fridays, 2 pm Saturdays & Sundays, 2 & 4 pm - Recommended for adults and children ages 9 and up 40 minutes
Turn back the pages of time and witness the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as they have not been seen for thousands of years
The Little Star that Could Saturdays & Sundays, 1 & 3 pm - Recommended for adults and children ages 5 to 8 35 minutes
A little star is born all by himself. Lonely for some friends, he embarks on a journey through the galaxy. Along the way he meets different stars, learns about their lives, colors and temperatures. At the end of his voyage he is introduced to a star cluster, the Milky Way and the planets in our Solar System.
COST: Adults $15; children under 12, seniors, and college students $9 - includes Museum & Planetarium admission
WHAT:
WHERE: Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
WHEN: Friday & Saturday - through 12/31
WHY GO: Experience Turtle Back Zoo in the winter as 100,000 bulbs and 40 lit displays illuminate the zoo this holiday season
COST: Free. Turtle Back Zoo will be collecting non-perishable food, winter coats and unwrapped new toys for the needy each evening of holiday lights
WHAT:
WHERE: USA Roller Skating, Branch Brook Park
WHEN: Sunday, Jan 1 2pm to 5pm or 5:30pm to 8:30pm
WHY GO: Come welcome the New Year in with skating.
COST: $6 children; $7 adults PLUS $3.50 skate rental for anyone (ages 3 – 17) without skates
WHAT:
WHERE: Pleasantdale Presbyterian Church of West Orange, 471 Pleasant Valley Way
WHEN: Sunday 7:30pm
WHY GO: Jazz Vespers is an evening worship service focusing on music and the Spirit. This alternative format service blends the age-old tradition of evening prayer with the unique musical language of jazz. It will feature jazz music performed by local musicians as well as special readings, poetry, prayers and communion. The service honors the diversity of the West Orange community and the contribution of the creative arts to the life of the community. It celebrates inclusivity and creativity and is open to all.
